BCA Gala Honors Diversity In Culinary Industry

"Students from different schools and different backgrounds come together in the same kitchen and cook in a non-competitive environment," said Alex Askew, President of BCA.

[Fine Cuisine]Now in its 18th year, the BCA's Cultural Awareness Salute honors the achievements of people of color in the hospitality and culinary business.

It provides space for industry networking and dialogue about the advancement of diversity, and gives culinary students from around the country the opportunity to cook alongside nationally renowned chefs Season Six Top Chef Ron Duprat, Sodexo Executive Chef Tim Pitts, Restaurant Associates-Compass-Compass Chefs Marc Payeros and Rolando Rivera and BCA Chef de Cuisine coordinators.

Electrolux Professional will be the chair and title sponsor in celebrating diversity at the BCA's 18th Annual Gala and Cultural Awareness Salute which is on March 12th, this year at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Supporting corporate sponsors include Hobart, Marriott, Restaurant Associates-Compass, Food Network, Sodexo, Beam Global, Tyson Foods and Irinox among other supporters at this trademark annual event focused on increasing diversity awareness and advancement in the industry. "Our support of the BCA affords us the opportunity to walk the talk and I believe theBCA will make the Industry stronger by focusing on career opportunities in the industry," said Mark Whalen, Senior Vice President of Global Accounts.

BCA will also honor role models and leaders at this annual black tie Cultural Awareness Salute. Honorees include: Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director of Chef Emeril's Homebase and Corporate Headquarters, South African Restaurateur Mark Moodley and Internationally recognized Jamaican Chef Anthony Miller. The evening will also include special presentations by the Food Network, and the South African Consulate.

The gala will begin with a VIP and cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course dinner, Viennese reception, and dancing and entertainment throughout the night. The gala dinner will give a taste of the future of the industry with four courses and wine pairings prepared by students from Johnson & Wales University, South Bronx Job Corps Academy, Prince George Community College, Le Cordon Bleu College - Dallas, the Culinary Program at Brooklyn Job Corps Academy, Hudson County Community College, Foodservice Training Academy of NJ, Star Academy of NY, William Grady High School, Culinary Training Institute, Newark Vocational High School, the Academy of Vocational Careers, the University of Northern Texas, and the Culinary Institute of America.

"Students from different schools and different backgrounds come together in the same kitchen and cook in a non-competitive environment," said Alex Askew, President of BCA. "Those of us who attend are honored to witness the promise offuture leaders and work together towards a more diverse industry."